Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport, Tracking Traffic

Daniel Hellberg

Asian Equities Analyst, Logistics & Transport

Tracking Traffic

Focusing on Asian logistics, transportation, and travel companies

Equity Capital Markets

Cainiao Smart Logistics Network / Equity Capital Markets

<ul>
<li>Within <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba (ADR) (BABA US)</a>'s June quarter results, the numbers from logistics arm <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cainiao-smart-logistics-network-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:36859:1" rel="noopener">Cainiao Smart Logistics (1437124D HK)</a> stood out: revenue up 34% Y/Y, &amp; EBITA turned to +ive</li>
<li>In this insight we attempt to place Cainiao's stellar results into context: it grew far faster than parent Alibaba's revenue, but also faster than Chinese e-comm and Chinese express</li>
<li>As Cainiao preps for its IPO, its June results should boost investors' confidence. The numbers also hint at what is driving Cainiao's recent performance, and which indicators to watch</li>
</ul>


Within Alibaba (ADR) (BABA US)'s June quarter results, the numbers from logistics arm Cainiao Smart Logistics (1437124D HK) stood out: revenue up 34% Y/Y, &amp; EBITA turned to +ive
In this insight we attempt to place Cainiao's stellar results into context: it grew far faster than parent Alibaba's revenue, but also faster than Chinese e-comm and Chinese express
As Cainiao preps for its IPO, its June results should boost investors' confidence. The numbers also hint at what is driving Cainiao's recent performance, and which indicators to watch


With A Long-Anticipated IPO on the Horizon, Alibaba's Cainiao Posts Stellar June Quarter Results

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>In May, average pricing fell again Y/Y, and volume growth moderated somewhat vs April</li>
<li>We look forward to learning more about J&amp;T Global Express IPO and its path to profits</li>
<li>Check out the weird China-US postage fraud case and YTD share performance</li>
</ul>


In May, average pricing fell again Y/Y, and volume growth moderated somewhat vs April
We look forward to learning more about J&amp;T Global Express IPO and its path to profits
Check out the weird China-US postage fraud case and YTD share performance


Monthly Express Tracker | ASPs Down Again | Volume Growth Moderates | J&T Express IPO | (June 2023)

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Gross margin compression in China's express industry has been going on for years and predates the Covid crisis. But margins have enjoyed a modest recovery since late 2021</li>
<li>Since 2019, margins have fallen and the distribution of profits among China's listed express companies has changed dramatically, with two clear-cut losers</li>
<li>Even though two listed express companies have seen their profitability compressed dramatically, there are no signs of industry consolidation -- and some parties like it that way</li>
</ul>


Gross margin compression in China's express industry has been going on for years and predates the Covid crisis. But margins have enjoyed a modest recovery since late 2021
Since 2019, margins have fallen and the distribution of profits among China's listed express companies has changed dramatically, with two clear-cut losers
Even though two listed express companies have seen their profitability compressed dramatically, there are no signs of industry consolidation -- and some parties like it that way


Chinese Express Consolidation? Lesser Players Battered for Years, But Still No Knockout Punch

<ul>
<li>Combined January-February express industry parcel volume was up just 4.6% Y/Y, and ASPs were down -1.8% Y/Y</li>
<li>Listed express companies' parcel volume and government-reported online tangible goods sales in the first two months of 2023 also both up a modest ~5% Y/Y</li>
<li>In a year when one express player hopes to list its shares, it's unclear who will be willing to concede market share. We expect price competition to intensify in 2023.</li>
</ul>


Combined January-February express industry parcel volume was up just 4.6% Y/Y, and ASPs were down -1.8% Y/Y
Listed express companies' parcel volume and government-reported online tangible goods sales in the first two months of 2023 also both up a modest ~5% Y/Y
In a year when one express player hopes to list its shares, it's unclear who will be willing to concede market share. We expect price competition to intensify in 2023.


TRACKING TRAFFIC: Chinese Express / No Signs of a Sharp Recovery in Jan-Feb Data

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/zto-express" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23628:1" rel="noopener">ZTO Express (ZTO US)</a> met consensus Q422 EPS estimate despite a miss on Revenue</li>
<li>Management expects to exceed industry volume growth (around +10%) in 2023</li>
<li>Likely obstacles to a sharp earnings recovery are: ASP momentum, "new-old" competition, and a lack of demonstrated cost control</li>
</ul>



ZTO Express (ZTO US) met consensus Q422 EPS estimate despite a miss on Revenue
Management expects to exceed industry volume growth (around +10%) in 2023
Likely obstacles to a sharp earnings recovery are: ASP momentum, "new-old" competition, and a lack of demonstrated cost control


ZTO Express Q4/2022 Results & Guidance:  Moderate Growth in '23, but Also Obstacles

China

BEST Inc. offers logistics and supply chain management solutions. The Company provides express and freight delivery, inventory management, warehousing, financing, cross-border supply chain, merchandise sourcing, and value-added services. BEST serves customers worldwide.

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BEST (BEST US)

With A Long-Anticipated IPO on the Horizon, Alibaba's Cainiao Posts Stellar June Quarter Results

In response to the news CaiNiao Smart Logistics has applied to list its shares in Hong Kong, we're re-upping this insight

Tracking Traffic

Monthly Express Tracker | ASPs Down Again | Volume Growth Moderates | J&T Express IPO | (June 2023)

In May, pricing weakened and volume growth moderated; we expect these two trends to hurt Q2 results. We also believe the planned J&T Global Express...

Tracking Traffic

Chinese Express Consolidation? Lesser Players Battered for Years, But Still No Knockout Punch

Margins in China's express sector have been falling for years. However, there are few signs of consolidation: companies remain profitable, and...

Tracking Traffic

TRACKING TRAFFIC: Chinese Express / No Signs of a Sharp Recovery in Jan-Feb Data

So far in 2023, parcel volume has recovered only moderately. We believe the industry may again see price deterioration after a brief respite in 2022.

Tracking Traffic

ZTO Express Q4/2022 Results & Guidance: Moderate Growth in '23, but Also Obstacles

ZTO guides strong volume growth and potentially better unit economics in '23, but we expect price pressure to return, and the company needs to rein...

Daniel Hellberg

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